http://images.globalknowledge.com/wwwimages/pdfs/2013_salaryreport.pdf

The article concludes:

Conditions for IT organizations continue a trend of gradual improvement, but challenges remain. More respondents to the current study than to last year’s reported difficult business conditions at their companies, and fewer managers authorized training in the past year. The percentage of respondents who reported feeling insecure in their position held firm since last year’s survey, remaining four points higher than in 2011. However, there are reasons for optimism.

Though IT and business professionals have limited, if any, control over the global economy and its effect on their organizations, they do have the power to influence the value they bring to the organization. This remains a good step toward elevating personal success and economic stability.

Quick observation finds about 60 days out to be the best time, but it depends on market.  Interestingly, Tuesday and Wednesdays are the best days to buy tickets.  Good luck on the best deals and safe travels to you!

Clearly, we need more tax cuts.

“You remember when Ryan stood up in front of nation during the Republican National Convention and blamed the president for a plant closing in Janesville, Wisconsin? Yeah, turns out the closure was planned before Obama even took office. The people in Janesville knew the truth, which is probably why more than 60% of the county it’s in voted for Obama.”  (reference link)

Here’s a link to Rock county’s election results:  http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/president/wisconsin/#county55105

Janesville, Wisconsin resides in Rock county.

http://www.financialfreedumb.com/2011/10/25/why-obama-will-win-re-election/

The Republicans better change and learn to compromise.  I really hope Obama pulls a hard line on the fiscal cliff and lays 100% of the blame on the GOP if it doesn’t happen.  If I were president, I would demand the GOP agree to my terms this time around, and I would let the public know I’m doing so in the best interest of the people.  I would make it very clear to the people, that I have already agreed to a portion of the GOP’s demands, now it’s their turn to give a little back.

No more Mr. Nice Guy President Obama!

The GOP is being destroyed by their lack of tolerance and vision for the future.  I always believed that everything can be refined…social programs, compassion doesn’t have to fall victim to a small budget or small government.  You can stick to principles of inclusion and tolerance, while doing more.  It’s about being smarter.  If the GOP doesn’t start to understand that the black & white view of the world doesn’t exist, and never really did, then the party will die off.

Besides the stuff that makes sense, debt and small government, the GOP is too elitist and exclusionary.  This country is no longer just white people.  It’s no longer just Catholic.  It’s a diverse mix of compassionate, more educated people.  The GOP also needs to rid itself of all of its contradiction.  Guns & bibles.  Pro-Life & Pro-Death.  Worse, Pro-Life & no healthcare for the child.  Fiscal responsibility & over sized militaries.  Less regulation & rules, except when it comes to women’s rights and marriage.  People are getting smarter.  People are becoming more tolerant.

One of the biggest negative personality traits of Republicans is that they don’t understand how to believe in what they believe in WHILE allowing others to believe in their own, different principles.  In other words, Republicans just don’t get how to let others live as they choose.  Just because you don’t agree with it, doesn’t mean others have to be forced to believe that as well.  Just don’t do it!  Don’t agree with abortion?  Then don’t do it!  Don’t agree with gay marriage?  Then don’t do it!  I don’t like guns, but I don’t believe in making others get rid of them.  People may argue, well liberals are doing the same thing, forcing their views on others, and that’s completely wrong.

Here’s the difference in case you are still confused:  Most democrats, liberals, and even some conservatives believe in principles but at the same time they don’t let their principles limit or prevent others from pursuing their beliefs and principles.

Tolerance is key.  And this doesn’t just mean tolerance on the surface by having a couple of minorities in your photo ops, it means really being admired by all.  The future is a nation of smarter, more tolerant people.

Choose your future GOP.  Or natural selection (or God, if you prefer) will choose it for you.  Look at the division in the party already…it’s already begun.  Don’t drink too much Tea.

Romney, Ryan & GOP:

If you are man enough to tell women they can’t have abortions,

Then man up and make sure these kids don’t grow up without health care.

GOP THE PARTY OF CONTRADICTIONS.

Two people were removed from the Republican National Convention Tuesday night following an incident involving a black, female camera operator, who allegedly was racially taunted on the convention floor.

Current TV host David Shuster tweeted late Tuesday night: “GOP attendee ejected for throwing nuts at African American camera woman + saying ‘This is how we feed animals.’”

http://thegrio.com/2012/08/29/rnc-black-cnn-camera-operator-allegedly-pelted-with-peanuts-told-this-is-how-we-feed-animals/

Interesting considering Mitt doesn’t even have a black, asian, or any minority on his economic team.  Oh, but he does have two women.  Amazing!

Why do people think that medical coverage is an “option”?  Don’t the people of the USA get it?  Every citizen of the United States has a right to health coverage.  Come on USA…WAKE UP!

We, Republicans, will defend the life of an unborn, as all life is precious.  But just in case, we’ll carry a gun to kill you, or “defend” ourselves.  Oh and we have no qualms passing down the death sentence.

We, Republicans, love god.  Just like the god we praise, we say one thing and act a different way.  Sure god loves everyone, but not equally.

We, Republicans, will defend the unborn life, but if you get sick and can’t afford health care, sorry you are on your own.

To be continued…

Good luck Romney!

Read more about this amazing team here:  http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/08/15/romney-economy-plan/?iid=HP_LN&hpt=hp_c1

I’m going to make some people really pissed off by saying this, but I’m saying it.  The reason why most innovation happens on the coasts, where a majority of “blue” states exist, is because smarter people are more progressive.  It’s a fact.  Just look at the map.  More respected Universities exist in more progressive cities.  More tech and innovative companies exist in coastal cities.   They’ve been exposed to different cultures, ideas, religions, and they realize that the world is not so small.

On the flip side, let’s move to the middle of the country where “conservatives” reign.  These places where farmland and less diverse communities exist.  These places where the gun and the bible go hand in hand.  These people who want smaller government and less regulation, yet dictate upon others who they can marry, who gets gets to choose an abortion, who gets the death penalty.  The very hypocrisy of these conservatives…the gun in one hand and the bible in the other.  Funny isn’t it?

The church and many people in this world feel like they have a right to limit the choices of others based on their beliefs.  I think it’s time to get over this mentality.

Religious freedom you say?  Well wait until Islam tries to implement Sharia law in the US.

There are certain rights that should NOT be taken away from citizens regardless of religion.  Taking away someone’s right to choose abortion is up the INDIVIDUAL, not a religious institution.  Churches need to realize the same institution of law they are trying to change protects many of the freedoms they have right now.  One day, their choices to try and limit the rights on individuals will come back to bite them in the ass.

Ref link:  http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/05/catholic-institutions-sue-obama-over-birth-control-mandate

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/13/across-country-black-pastors-weigh-in-on-obamas-same-sex-marriage-support/?hpt=hp_t2

Just being blunt here, but why do a disproportionate number of wealthy people seem like they are addicted to drugs, chronic alcoholics, have tons of mistresses, or all these other odd things.  They also kill themselves.

If you’re wondering why this post, it’s in response to Junior Seau’s death.  It’s being called a suicide right now…I just don’t get it.

Read more here:  http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/02/sport/nfl-seau-dead/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

For more information on this case, please visit:

http://www.hnva.net/teacherbully

To contact the Cherry Hill Public School district:

http://www.cherryhill.k12.nj.us/contact/

Dr. Maureen Reusche, Superintendent, x4309
Dr. Lawyer Chapman, Assistant Supt., PreK-12, x4301
James Devereaux, Business Administrator/Board Secretary, x4328
Dr. Marianne W. Gaffney, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction, x4311
Nancy Adrian, Director of Human Resources, x4353
Don Bart, Director of Support Operations, x4371
Susan Bastnagel, Public Information Officer, x4325

DISTRICT COMPLIANCE OFFICERS:

Sorry, but this is just not cool.

Where’s the common sense Mr. Romney?  And you expect Americans to trust you with the presidency?  How about we tie you to the roof?

When asked if he would transport a dog like that now, Mitt Romney said he would not.

“Certainly not with the attention it’s received,” Romney said.

ref:  http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/16/romney-says-he-wouldnt-transport-dog-on-roof-again/

It’s a good thing Mr. Romney won’t do it again…because it’ll lower his poll numbers.  But if it didn’t receive the attention it did, sure why not!

And for fun:  http://www.theineptowl.com/2012/01/10/mitt-romney-admits-tying-dog-roof-2012-campaign

Taken from:  http://www.marco.org/2012/02/25/right-vs-pragmatic

Relying solely on yelling about what’s right isn’t a pragmatic approach for the media industry to take. And it’s not working. It’s unrealistic and naïve to expect everyone to do the “right” thing when the alternative is so much easier, faster, cheaper, and better for so many of them.

I wonder how long until the industry figures this out.

I’m writing you today because I find this annual routine of submitting taxes that we, American citizens, are forced to do is a waste of time and resources.  I have ideas to drastically change our tax system, but this letter is intended to ask one very basic question:

You already have data on our wages, interest, investments, and other financial data, so why do you make us fill out forms to submit with the SAME data again, only to “audit” a percentage of these submissions?

I’m sorry but the first thing I would recommend is to send me the bill, and I’ll respond with deductions, and pay the difference.

Thanks,

Financial Freedumb & Brownie

US Citizens

Income Ratios and Power: Executives vs. Laborers

Another way that income can be used as a power indicator is by comparing average CEO annual pay to average factory worker pay, something that has been done for many years byBusiness Week and, later, the Associated Press. The ratio of CEO pay to factory worker pay rose from 42:1 in 1960 to as high as 531:1 in 2000, at the height of the stock market bubble, when CEOs were cashing in big stock options. It was at 411:1 in 2005 and 344:1 in 2007, according to research by United for a Fair Economy. By way of comparison, the same ratio is about 25:1 in Europe. The changes in the American ratio from 1960 to 2007 are displayed in Figure 8, which is based on data from several hundred of the largest corporations.

Figure 8: CEOs’ pay as a multiple of the average worker’s pay, 1960-2007

For entire article, read:  http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html

The Republicans have no candidate that can draw independents and some of the left to support them.  No matter how much Obama is disliked, the candidates from the GOP just don’t have what it takes.  I mean, all it would take is a half-way decent candidate from the GOP to win.  Obama is far from popular at the moment.  In other words, Obama wins because the GOP is just handing him the victory.

It’s too bad a stronger GOP candidate hasn’t entered the party.

If an average worker’s pay were increased at the same rate as CEO average pay, the average production worker should be making about $108,000 per year.  That would mean that worker and CEO pay were moving in sync.  And that would be a good indication to me, that our CEO’s are not being greedy.

Look, I understand there are many in the OWS movement that are just lazy.  The same can be said for any movement.  However, there are many truths to this movement, and it does make people talk.  I believe everyone should be able to get rich in America with hard work and personal ownership of your decisions and actions, but I don’t think greed has has helped anyone but the social elites.  Even the president doesn’t make a million dollar salary.  I wonder how Ameican’s would react if the president made 475 times the salary of the average federal worker.

Can anyone explain to me why celebrities and athletes make millions, while our public servants are at the bottom of the pay scale?

Here’s a post I found that had some great charts.

Need I say more?  Read the post here:

http://tmotr.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/going-for-broke-will-legislate-for-food/

EDIT:  A comment posted has indicated this chart is not correct.  You can find the link in the comment.  The person who made the chart may have exaggerated a bit…looks like in 2010, CEO pay was 325 to 1.

This type of thinking also reminds me of this quote floating around the internet now:

What amazes me is that conservatives are all for reigning in debt.  Accountability after all, right?  Cap and spend.  Don’t spend more than what comes in.

Keep in mind solicitation vs. debt collection calls are 2 entirely different things.  If you owe money, pay it.  That’s the simple solution.  If you can’t pay, then collectors have every right to contact you to try and recoup payment.

Next up, Tea Party calls the ACLU for help to protect their rights.

Love this comment:

If Rick Perry or Romney said it you republicans would all be in favor of it! “Yea! People need to be fiscally responsible and pay their bills without hiding from creditors behind their cell phones!” ……but since Obama said it you are all against it ……..biggest hypocrites in the world …….. I guess all you fiscal conservatives are up to your knees in debt apparently then.

About 2 months later, I finally received my bundle after many complaints and calls to the store.  Not a single apology or attempt to rectify the situation.  Best Buy has lost me as a customer for good.  Customer service makes a difference.

I urge you to challenge those against creating a level tax field head on!  Publicly fight for the middle class and continue to ask the question why the rich pay a smaller percentage of their income on taxes than the middle class!  I will support you.

Yes, we have disagreements about taxes in general, especially how some in America pay no taxes, but this is just one battle in a war.

Sincerely,
Freedumb

Price increases are fine, but Netflix’s rate increase was crazy.  All they had to do was emphasize the importance of their subscribers and ease them into the rate increase.

Now Netflix has made people hate them, which breeds even more disdain.  With their brand tarnished, and competitors creeping up from all over, Netflix has essentially shot themselves in the foot.

I switched my subscription to DVD only, I rarely used streaming.  Might even cancel that soon.

Sure there will always be reason to visit the bank, maybe when you need a loan, want traveler’s checks, or maybe you need financial advice (sarcasm), but will it justify huge electricity, rent, and other bills associated with a physical location?

ING will be rolling out an online check deposit system soon too.  If you don’t know what online check deposits are, basically you take a digital picture of a paper check and submit it online, and magically the deposit will be taken care of.  No more filling out those annoying bank deposit slips or hoping you don’t get robbed while depositing checks at the ATM.

I wish to thank my bank for many years of service, but I think I’ll be closing that account.  I may keep my credit union account for those occasional visits.

I do believe this is the time, we as a country, need to discuss how and what needs to be changed in order for our country to head in the right direction.  Here are the things I would put into effect immediately if I could:

1. Eliminate all private funding for elected officials.  No more lobbying.  No more private donations.  All elected officials can only run on public funds.  The amount they receive to run for a specific office is determined by the type and size of the office they are running for.
   REASON:  This will eliminate any outside influences, especially those of the corporate nature.  Candidates will run on the platform and principles they believe in.  Their only worry?  The public–the people they represent.
2. Institute a balance budget amendment over a course of 10 years.
   REASON:  Our country should operate just like any other person.  Borrowing is still an option, but only if the revenues would allow.  Expenses should never be greater than income.
3. Everyone should be paying some taxes – business, citizens, and even illegal immigrants – even if that means the lowest tax bracket is 1%.  This is related to point #4.
   REASON:  Freedom is not free.  Our country protects everyone in this country regardless of whether you are here legally or illegally.  We all work to make this country what it is, and everyone should do a little to contribute.
4. Revamp our tax system to make it simple and efficient.
   REASON:  This will eliminate the enormous amount of waste our government spends on tracking and collecting taxes.  We also need to eliminate/minimize the possibility of fraud and collect on earnings made by non-citizens (aka illegal immigrants).

 
Even if we just implemented point #1, I think we would see some dramatic and immediate changes to our government.  I don’t see why anyone would argue against making our elected officials run on a fair, even playing field.  Point #2 is also very important.  If the US implemented points #1 & #2, our country would be headed in the right direction.  Points #3 & #4 are also important, but I think first we need to clean up our government and put rules into place that will help us achieve a more responsible government.

I believe in principle, and I agree we need to get our country’s debt in order.  However, don’t principles have priorities?  This world is NOT black and white, despite what some would like to believe.  These choices have serious consequences.  In my life, I have made many personal choices based on principle, but it’s always about weighing the priorities and then making a decision.

I ask our elected officials to remember that this isn’t a game.  If you miss a payment, is that not against principle?  Grow up.  It’s clear everyone will not agree on everything.  Does America’s reputation and credit worthiness not count for anything in this debate?

Have you weighed your principles recently?  What’s the most important, IMMEDIATE priority here?

He said basically that the reason it caused the breakdown is because it comes from the very people that will invest in our economy.  Well, I say then, so be it.

Dear Speaker Boehner:

I’m an average American, working for a large company.  I understand that there are two ways to make up for this budget crisis facing our country:  new revenues/taxes OR spending cuts.

I would like to see a mix of both.

I understand that almost half the citizens in this country pay no taxes.  I also understand that the tax cuts created during the Bush years have not been reverted.  I also understand that government spends too much.

I’m not talking just tax the rich, because corporations are raking in profits while paying less taxes then they should, some people don’t pay taxes at all!  All I’m asking is that you, and every elected official be reasonable and fair.

Regards,

Financial Freedumb & Brownie

I plan to cancel my subscription once my current billing period is over.  I haven’t been using Netflix, both DVD and streaming, as much as I’d like.  Maybe I’ll sign up again when I have time, but with DVD options like Redbox and streaming options like Hulu, what’s the point?

Thanks Netflix for the many years of service and for pioneering a new industry.  Hopefully these increases end up producing real results in the form of current streaming content, which might make me come back.

I’m not agreeing to an all out increase of income taxes, but a reversal of the tax breaks given during the Bush years, even to the middle and lower classes.  If we’re all in this together, than that’s fair.  Do I agree with Democrats on just reverting taxes on the wealthy?  I’m not going to lie, I’d take it, but I’m not in the upper tier, so I’d take it.

After the taxes have been reverted, then we should start looking at cuts.

Compromise!  You give, I give…or I give, you give.  Whatever the case, someone needs to make the first move.  If this leads to a national crisis, I’m thinking the president gets off looking like the hero.  He’s at least trying to compromise.  The GOP on the other hand, looks like they are unwilling to budge at all.

The worst I’ve done is purchased the same item, only to return the old one because something was wrong with it.  Maybe that’s a little unethical as well?  These are obviously items with no serial numbers printed on the box, or it wouldn’t work.  I just rather not deal with warranties and other paperwork.  Buying and returning the defective device is so much easier.

I wonder if the sense of entitlement people have in today’s culture has lead to this type of behavior?

But the Voice has my attention right now, and I really hope the final four is Javier Colon, Vicci Martinez, Beverly McClellan, and Dia Frampton.  Such amazing contrast in talent…the most similarity is Beverly and Vicci.  I can’t decide between Javier, Vicci, and Dia.  Beverly was good, but I don’t think she was as good as the other three.   The other three were just amazing.

• Javier Colon sang Fix You
  Not the best song. Too much that took away from his voice, which I believe is the key to him winning. Just on voice, Javier leads all…although I think Dia is very close.  Christina is right…he should’ve sang a more soulful song that featured his voice.
• Vicci Martinez sang Dog Days are Over
  Strong. Powerful.  WOW.  It wasn’t just the song.  It was the entire performance.  I couldn’t help but cheer for her. The drums, the swagger, everything just pulled me in.
• Dia Frampton sang Losing My Religion
  Great performance. I can’t believe how much she surprised me. The right song choice and her own style just comes together.  Her voice is so unique, but I don’t know how much she can “sing.”
• Beverly McClellan sang The Thrill is Gone
  Another strong singer…I think it was just the wrong song. I’m not saying it’s a bad song, it just wasn’t enough to pull me in.  I have some doubts about Beverly still.

I can’t wait until results!

I asked this before, but it still holds true some 5 years later, why is income such a taboo topic?  It’s as if people get their feelings hurt among friends to hear someone is doing well or not so well.  In my eyes, as long as you got food on the table, able save a little, and comfortable, you are FINE.  If you make more than me, that’s AWESOME.  If you make less, well, sucks for you!  haha.  Just kidding, but really, if you’re not happy, then work harder?

Person (@age)
@33:  $108,000
@34:  $67,000
@35:  $120,000
@34: $80,000
@34: $64,000
@34: $130,000

In general, my friends are all doing pretty well.  In fact, I know at least 3 of my other friends, who I haven’t felt comfortable asking are making $100k+, and another friend making around $60k.

I have a mortgage now…

I cannot trust
Too close distant
People become stars
Someday
The sky will near
Keep trucking on
Fall back and trust
-freedumb

The bottom line is someone pays for this in the end.  I’m willing to bet the losers are everyday consumers.  Here I am, the author of a personal finance blog, actually putting limits on frugality.  Extreme couponing is just another example of how greedy and materialistic American culture has become.  What do you think about that person on Halloween that grabs all the candy from the candy bowl on your neighbor’s porch?  Yeah, that’s similar to an extreme couponer in my mind…Maybe the only saving grace is if a couponer donates it away.

Overall, it seems to be a waste.  I don’t know why I get a receipt when I fill gas.  I don’t know why I get a receipt at McDonald’s or Starbucks.  Maybe it’s a sense of comfort knowing that I have this piece of paper that indicates how much I paid for goods and services?  I never reconcile or go back to balance anything since most of my purchases are on credit cards nowadays.

I think I’m going to say “no” to more receipts.  I…must….say……no……………..(receipts).

The best way to get the most of your US Dollar:

1. Use a credit card with no fees, i.e. CapitolOne.  Not only do they not charge any exchange fees, they absorb the 1% charged by Visa/Mastercard.  So you essentially get the market exchange rate with no fees.
2. The next best method involves actually getting foreign currency and is using an ATM machine, but just like credit cards, each debit card has fees.  The one I used had a simple 1% fee up to a maximum daily withdrawal limit of $500.  I also had a backup debit card that was actually a better deal if I withdrew over $500, with a flat $5.00 withdrawal fee.  Keep in mind this does not include the fee the ATM you are using charges, so find one that doesn’t charge much.
3. Exchanging traveler’s checks would be my third option.  Not only do you typically get a slightly better exchange rate than cash, it’s safer.  My credit union gives these to me for free, so I usually get some before I leave.
4. Finally cash.  Always the most reliable, but so many drawbacks to exchanging currency, including traveler’s checks.  Generally the best places to exchange are banks, some countries have post offices that do banking, non-hotel exchange places, hotel exchange, and finally at the retail location.

I’d try to stay away from #3 and #4.  Happy travels!

Now that I’ve purchased, my opinion has changed.  The primary goals when I bought:  1.  Make sure the monthly bills would be LESS than how much I could rent for should I decide to rent in the future, and 2.  be in a great, stable location.

Anyway, getting off topic, but this is the “Real Estate” section of CNNMoney.com…you can see why I’m confused:

I don’t hate you, Apple, but I sort of do.  It’s like a love-hate relationship that lingers more on the hate side of things.

Some people have legitimate reasons to use an Apple…like…hm.  Maybe they grew up with it and feel comfortable with it — sort of like rich people who grew up with fancy clothes and can’t live without it.  I’ll be fair, Macs do experience far less exposure to viruses and other potential cyber-criminal acts.  I do attribute this fact to the fact that less people use Macs, thus less computer to computer transmitted diseases.  I think that’s a fine reason to use a Mac.  So there are some legitimate reasons to use an Apple Macintosh computer.

As far as using Apple iPads and iPhones?  You did a great job innovating and coming out with a product people want.  I do appreciate everything you are doing, because you are creating new, fun products.

So why do I dislike you so much?  I will never use a Mac.  There definitely is no reason for me to.  I will never buy an iPad or iPhone.  Why?  Because they are like the high-end fashion designer — a symbol of waste and indulgence.  PCs do everything a Mac does for less money — anything you can do, a PC can do better — there’s no denying that, especially if you are computer savvy.  Come on, one mouse button for how many years?!?  Or how about iPads that can’t multi-task.  Wow.  As far as iPads and iPhones go…nice products, but I can’t stand how they dictate the rules.  Everything is controlled, nothing is public.  The “hey, want to use Flash there Apple fanboy?”  ”NO, too bad” says Mr. Jobs type attitude.  You did not create Windows, Xerox did.

Good luck Apple with iPad2!  I actually hope it’s a really good product.  Because I dislike you so much, I hope you continue to succeed because that forces others to keep up or excel pass you.  I also thank all your Apple fan boys for making Apple successful, because otherwise we may not see as much innovation in the tech world.

Hate,
Freedumb

P.S.  I don’t really like Microsoft either, but it’s cheaper, faster, less tyrannical, and less pretty than you.  I don’t like pretty, unless we’re talking about women.

I guess it’s not too bad, but I could reduce my bill a little more.  Here’s a link to my post with previous effective tax rates.

Oh, on top of buying all the things you need for a home.  WOW.  That ended up being a shocker.  I spent nearly $10k to purchase furniture and all the necessities of a home.  I really didn’t have much before moving in, except for a bed, dresser, and clothes.  So the move in checklist was huge.

Lessons learned:

• If you can afford an interest rate when you go in for your loan, lock it.  Don’t press your luck and hope the rates go down.  When I got my pre-qual, I had the opporunity to lock in a rate of 3.875%.  When I did lock, about 5 days later, I locked in at 4.125% and had to pay 1 more point to get that rate.
• Make sure to put aside a good budget for post-purchase items, more if you need to renovate/change out major items.
• Make sure your loan officer and realtors are on top of things and good communicators.
• I decided not to go with the improved title insurance, although maybe I should’ve.  It would’ve costed me 10% more for the premium title insurance…still not sure if I should’ve gone with it.
• Wait for the right place.  Of course it’s only been 2 months, but I’ve been looking for someplace for over 2 years now.  I’m really happy with the location, price I paid, condition of my home, and the neighbors.  I do have some minor concerns, but the pros heavily outweigh the cons.
• Make sure to run lots of bleach/water in the washer after moving in.  My clothes smelt like mildew because I didn’t, until I realized I needed to clean out the washer.
• Make sure to run the hot water to empty out the tank.
• During the inspection, check everything including the blinds, washer, dryer, windows, stove, fridge, etc.  Try to be thorough.
• During the offer period, the property had 2 additional offers.  I decided to come in at the top of my budget and hope for the best.  I didn’t want to get into a bidding war.  I don’t know what would’ve happened if I came in at the lower offer I had in mind, but I do know I have my place now, and I’m comfortable with the mortgage.

I’ll write more in the future as I think of things, which I’m sure I will as time goes on.

To whom it may concern,

Many years ago, I put virtually all of my assets into a trust with the intent of giving away at least 95% of my wealth to charitable causes.  I have already given hundreds of millions of dollars to medical research and education, and I will give billions more over time.  Until now, I have done this giving quietly – because I have long believed that charitable giving is a personal and private matter.  So why am I going public now?  Warren Buffett personally asked me to write this letter because he said I would be “setting an example” and “influencing others” to give.  I hope he’s right.

Larry Ellison

Ref URL:  http://givingpledge.org/#larry_ellison

It’s neat to see the candidness of his letter.  Even billionaires are people.  lol.  Larry Ellison is a co-founder and the CEO of Oracle.